Abstract |
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor. It is produced from methyl alcohol by catalytic vapor-phase oxidation or by an oxidation-dehydration process, and its main use is as an intermediate in the preparation of explosives, dyes, synthetic lacquers, and resins. Formaldehyde polymerizes in the presence of air and moisture to form the solid paraformaldehyde. Aerosols have a synergistic effect on human response to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is known to be a component of photochemical smog formation. Control methods which are currently used for absorber vent emissions are thermal incineration and redirection of vent gases to plant boilers for use as a fuel supplement. The only device reported for the fractionator vent is a water absorber. Systems that are feasible but not currently employed are plume burners (no supplemental fuel required) and catalytic incinerators. Emissions from manufacture by the mixed catalyst process occur primarily from the absorber vent gas, and one firm is currently controlling these using a water scrubber. Other feasible control methods are thermal and catalytic incineration, and a flare system. Based on the results of health effects research presented in this report, and the ambient concentration estimates, it appears that formaldehyde in air may produce eye and respiratory tract irritation in sensitive members of the general population. This applies especially to those living near the largest production facility; however, eye irritation from photochemical smog must be due, in part, to formaldehyde. |